Shortly after his defeat in the 1996 U.S. presidential election, Republican Bob Dole was invited to appear on David Letterman's Late Show. Letterman asked Dole about President Clinton's weight, but Dole wasn't taking the bait. "I never tried to lift him," he retorted. "I just tried to beat him." That was the first time many Americans got to see a side of Bob Dole rarely revealed to the public during his 36 years on Capitol Hill--the dry, wicked sense of humor that quickly became a defining characteristic of his postpolitical career.

Great Political Wit collects some of Bob Dole's favorite humorous anecdotes about American politicians--and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who gets most of the handful of truly savage putdowns. (Told by one female member of the House of Commons that he was drunk, Churchill replied, "You're ugly, and tomorrow morning I'll be sober, but you'll still be ugly.") If you like the "Laughter Is the Best Medicine" section of Reader's Digest, the stories about pols like Ronald Reagan, Tip O'Neill, and Woodrow Wilson are sure to make you smile. This reviewer's candidate for the funniest American president, though, would have to be Calvin Coolidge, especially after reading about the time that, at a ceremony for the laying of a cornerstone, Coolidge turned over a spadeful of dirt and then fell silent. Prompted by the master of ceremonies to say something, Coolidge looked down at the ground and remarked, "That's a fine fish worm." --Ron Hogan


From Library Journal
A compendium of Dole's favorite political bons mots.Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Review
"This material would make any party merrier, political or otherwise."
-- Chattanooga Free Press

"Bottom Line: White House joke book gets our vote."
-- People

"Dole's collection of political humor is charming."
-- USA Today


Review
"This material would make any party merrier, political or otherwise."
-- Chattanooga Free Press

"Bottom Line: White House joke book gets our vote."
-- People

"Dole's collection of political humor is charming."
-- USA Today

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Bob Dole's political career may not have taken him to the White House, but he did pick up some great stories along the way. In this collection, the longtime U.S. senator shares his favorite anecdotes, witticisms, and reminiscences. From the campaign trail to the Oval Office, from smoked-filled rooms to the chambers of the Capitol, Bob Dole surveys a century of political wit. There are bon mots from Calvin Coolidge, Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, JFK, and a host of other political figures. Bob Dole introduces each section with mirthful moments from his own experience, displaying the gift for wry humor that has made him such a favorite guest on late-night talk shows.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

A compendium of Dole's favorite political bons mots.

Library Journal

A compendium of Dole's favorite political bons mots.

Thomas Fields-Meyer